Inter-organizational Systems (IOS) are network-enabled information systems that extend boundaries of an organization. There is a growing interest among researchers and practitioners to understand how the use of IOS enhances firm performance. In this study, we examine how IOS use impacts an organization's supply chain management (SCM) capabilities and supply chain performance. Drawing on the resource-based view theory, we examine two mechanisms that are essential for enhanced supply chain performance: (a) efficient IOS external utilization regarding its networked partners and (b) the maximization of IOS organizational management capabilities in supply chain management. Using data from 193 respondents from various manufacturers and distributors of fast-moving consumer goods, we confirm all the hypotheses posited in the research model. The results demonstrate the dual effect of IOS use in improving operational supply chain performance, SCM capabilities, and the mediating role of SCM capabilities. We discuss contributions of the study to research and practice.

PurposeWhile the concept of supply chain resilience has received lots of scholarly and policy interest over the past few years, empirical research examining its sources and outcomes remains inadequate, particularly, in the context of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Grounded in the resource-based view and social capital frameworks, the study examines the relationship between social network relationship, supply chain resilience and customer oriented performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study develops and empirically tests a research model that proposes social network relationships and customer-oriented performance as the antecedent and outcome respectively of supply chain resilience. Data was obtained from a survey of 110 SMEs in Ghana.FindingsThe findings of the study suggest that a firm's external and internal social networks can be leveraged to enhance its supply chain resilience and customer-oriented performance. Supply chain resilience was also found to enhance customer-oriented performance. Additionally, supply chain resilience was found to significantly mediate the effect of social network relationships on customer-oriented performance.Originality/valueThis is the first study that empirically explores and establishes the relationship between social network relationships, supply chain resilience and customer-oriented performance to the best of the authors’ knowledge.

In today's highly competitive environment, improper evaluation and selection of the right suppliers can hinder an organizations supply chain performance. The aim of this study is to present a suitable methodology for the evaluation and selection of suppliers in a pharmaceutical manufacturing firm in Ghana. Specifically, the study sought to use the Analytic Hierarchy Process methodology to select the most appropriate raw material suppliers of the artemether-lumefantrine anti-malarial drug for the case study organization. A review of literature identified quality, cost, reliability, regulatory compliance, risk, financial position and supplier profile as the most important criteria for supplier selection. The study however used the three criteria of quality, price and reliability/capacity for selecting the best suppliers. The results suggest that the AHP makes it easier to evaluate, rank and select efficient suppliers for manufacturing firms in a timely and reliable manner. Based on the research findings, the quality selection criterion is most favoured, followed by reliability/capacity, and price. Regarding the selection of the suppliers, the research recommended S & D Chemicals as the best supplier of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Hellmuth Carroux as the best supplier of Excipients for the case study firm.

PurposeThe study examines how supply chain responsiveness (logistics process responsiveness, operations systems responsiveness and supplier network responsiveness) impacts the ability of firms to attract, satisfy and retain customers.Design/methodology/approachUsing a quantitative approach, a total of 250 questionnaires were distributed to firms in the Kumasi metropolis in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, with 100 useable responses retrieved. The effect of supply chain responsiveness on customer development was analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.FindingsThe findings showed that operations systems responsiveness and supplier network responsiveness drive the logistics systems responsiveness of firms as hypothesized. It was also revealed that operations systems responsiveness and logistics process responsiveness enhanced customer development, but supplier network responsiveness did not. Logistics process responsiveness additionally partially mediated the effect of operations systems responsiveness on customer development.Originality/valueTo the best of the researchers' knowledge, no previous studies have empirically examined interrelationships between the dimensions of supply chain responsiveness. Additionally, no previous study has examined the effect of supply chain responsiveness on customer development.

Abstract:This study is a conceptual replication of Karimi et al.'s (2007) study on the impact of ERP implementations on business process outcomes among US manufacturing firms in a Sub-Saharan African (SSA) nation. The results of the measurement model are valid and reliable, which are consistent and comparable with that of the original study, enhancing the external validity of the constructs proposed in the original model. However, only one of the four hypotheses tested in the structural model was confirmed in the current study although all four were supported in the original study. While the original model was tested on manufacturing firms in the US, the replicated study was carried out in several industries in Ghana, a SSA nation. Thus the differences in the structural model results do not invalidate the original model but suggest the need for capturing contextual or environmental variables such as culture, industry, ethical behavior, and data culture in order to enhance the external validity and theoretical contribution of the original model in the SSA context.